The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has declared that sporting dreadlocks, tinted hair or having tattoos does not make an individual a criminal, stating emphatically that no section of the Nigerian constitution criminalises such appearances.
Ogunlowo made this known during a special interactive session tagged ‘Time Out With Broadcasters’, organised by the Ogun State chapter of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), held in Abeokuta, the state capital.
While fielding questions from media professionals and stakeholders, the CP cautioned against profiling individuals based on appearance, saying it is against professional policing ethics and the law.
“There is no section of our constitution that criminalises dreadlocks, tattoos or tinted hair. These are not indicators of criminality, and we must move beyond such stereotypes,” Ogunlowo said.
He further reassured students across Ogun State of the command’s commitment to ensuring safety and security in all host communities of tertiary institutions. He noted that the police had mapped out strategies to identify high-risk zones and address criminal activities around student-populated areas.
On the issue of alleged extortion and illegal checkpoints mounted by police officers, the CP acknowledged the concerns and disclosed that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is already taking decisive steps to curb the menace.
“The IG is working tirelessly to address issues of unnecessary checkpoints and extortion. Nigerians will soon begin to witness visible reforms,” he said.
Highlighting the achievements of the command under his leadership since assuming office in December 2024, Ogunlowo said the police had recorded a steady decline in criminal activities.
According to him, 19 suspects were arrested in December 2024, 17 in January 2025, nine in February, 16 in March, 10 in April, 13 in May, and two in June.
Addressing a complaint raised during the event about the growing presence of sex workers around the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre in Abeokuta, the police boss directed the Area Commander of Zone 2 to immediately take action and ensure the area is rid of the menace.
He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his unwavering support for the police in the state, describing Ogun as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, the Acting Chairman of FIBAN, Comrade Aderoju Adejare, described the session as a vital opportunity for media practitioners to engage directly with the police leadership on pressing security issues.
Adejare praised the commissioner for honouring the invitation, saying it underscores his dedication to maintaining law and order in the state.
The event was attended by a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AIG Sola Zubair (rtd), representatives of teachers, traditional leaders, student unions, transport unions, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), civil society organisations, media practitioners and FIBAN members, among others.
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